The Cleveland Browns are achieving early-season success under first-season head coach Todd Monken and starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, making celebrations commonplace for a franchise that struggled in its recent seasons. However, some of that celebrating has proven costly, as multiple Browns players have received NFL punishment for their behavior during a massive Week 4 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland pulled off a 27-24 win earlier this month behind Watson, who completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown.
The veteran QB guided his team into suitable field position late in the matchup so Andre Szmyt could connect on a 56-yard game-winning field goal. During the matchup, Watson and teammate Quinshon Judkins participated in an on-field celebration. While their actions weren't obvious on television, the NFL reportedly issued Watson a $14,926 fine and Judkins a $14,397 fine, citing unsportsmanlike conduct for illegal celebrations and vulgar acts.
More news: Bill Belichick Upsets Ranked Team for Biggest Win of College Coaching Career According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, a "smoking gesture" was the specific type of celebration after Watson threw the touchdown to Judkins in the win. In addition, their teammate Austin Barber was also hit with a $6,944 fine for a smoking gesture he made during the team's win over Pittsburgh. The Browns players aren't the first to receive fines for smoking celebrations.
Earlier this season, Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown received nearly $60,000 in NFL fines for a celebration in which he pretended to smoke a cigarette in his team's game against the Buffalo Bills. The Browns' Adin Huntington was the fourth player to receive an NFL punishment in their win over the Steelers.
Huntington received a $5,620 fine for a hip-drop tackle he used to sack Rodgers during the clash with their division rivals. Huntington had one of the Browns' five sacks on Rodgers during that game, something normally seen from veteran Myles Garrett. The Defensive Player of the Year was surprisingly traded to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.
Huntington, in his second season with Cleveland, finished the game with four total tackles to aid in the win. That victory was significant for Cleveland, as even though it's early in their season, many didn't expect them to have the success they've had. The win over the Steelers improved the Browns to 3-1 and helped them take over the top spot in the AFC North division, tied with the Baltimore Ravens.
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